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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Tissue-Fitting Vlog, Part One!

Hello, all! And welcome to my new vlog mini-series on tissue-fitting a pattern. In this first part, I prep the pattern for the fitting. The pattern I'm demonstrating with is Vogue 8615, a contemporary pattern with a very 50s feel.Some of you pointed out that the way Blogger formats videos makes it impossible to watch on a mobile device, so I've uploaded this one onto YouTube (even though I'm convinced it's a savage internet wasteland where people make mean and inappropriate comments). We'll see how it goes!

I just found your blog a couple of days ago, and I must say, it’s a true inspiration! I agree with the previous writer, I do hope you keep up with your vlogs. I’m happy to see that so many people are writing comments here. Being a home seamstress can be quite lonely, but reading your blog makes one feel like being part of a whole community of seamstresses =)Keep up the good work everyone!Sara, Sweden

Thank you so much for sharing this - it's so generous of you! I am a rank beginner at sewing, and getting a pattern to fit my measurements is one of the things that intimidates me most about the whole process. I also love this pattern... you've inspired me to give it a go! Can't wait to see your next vlog (though I can't help but think that sounds like a Russian word for gherkin, as in, "Would you like another vlog with your borscht, Vlad?").

I have to say I am anti tissue fitting. It wont give you a true feel for the fit. Making a muslin is the way to go. I know, I know. I hated making muslins in my younger days too. I have spent countless years sewing without making muslins and have had mixed feelings on the final garment. Some hits some misses and somewhere in between. When you are putting all your time and hard work into making something it's worth the extra time. I wouldn't think of sewing anything without making a muslin first

I've never tried tissue fitting before! This is probably because the majority of my patterns are bought from sewingpatterns.com or burdastyle, therefore they're not printed onto tissue... though from this first blog that wouldn't make a massive difference, I'll see what happens later on :)

I just bought a vintage reissue Butterick pattern, so perhaps I could do a tissue fitting with that, as I'm a little nervous about it due to my using some gorgeous fabric, so I don't want to get it wrong!

Hey guys! Just wanted to comment quickly on the muslin vs. tissue-fitting thing. I actually think both techniques have their place at times, and it doesn't have to be an either/or thing. (There's always more than one way to do something in sewing!) In this case, I chose tissue-fitting because the lines of this pattern are very simple and I already had an idea of what alterations I might need. You'll notice that I did make a muslin for my coat, because that was an entirely different situation. And even if you do make a muslin, it can be helpful to do a tissue-fitting first so you can get a preliminary idea of what changes you might need.

I personally like to have an arsenal of techniques at hand when sewing - not just one!

Allison, that's a great book and it will help you a lot with tissue-fitting.

I am only just getting back into garment sewing (for myself), and never worried about fit before other than some basic measure myself, measure the pattern kinds of things. I've got some projects coming up (and a lumpier body) that I think making a muslin or try tissue fitting will be a must.

Great choice for a vlog, I'm glad you are going to continue them. I often do tissue fitting only and sometimes only make a muslin, for two reasons: first, I now know enough about the changes I *normally* need to make that in a sense I can just confirm them with a tissue-fit (at the beginning, though, it gave me a lot of information); second, muslin acts differently than fashion fabric, so it's not always accurate either - often I may simply add larger seam allowances if I'm concerned about a particular area.

I'm enjoying your vlog - it's great to see someone actuallly do a tissue fitting. I have FFRP but sometimes it doesn't make sense. For blouses - I have to do both - tissue and muslin (yuck!) - for pants and skirts I can normally just go with tissue fitting (I'm so straight on the bottom).

I agree, depending on the pattern--a tissue fitting works rather than going through muslin making process. No matter what, I start with flat measurements minus seam allowances. I was taught this way so it has stuck with me. I have to say this never has failed me. I know my measurements and the ease I like in my garments so this is a strong place to begin. A product which I have been using is the red dot pattern paper (I don't know the proper name of the product!) it is not a paper yet not a fabric. I trace the pattern on it and I can actually sew the seams with a baste stitch. I love it because it is durable. A mix between tissue fitting and muslin making.

Love the new Vlog Gertie...this is wonderful. I sew for my little one, mom, niece & nephew but never for me. I have 3 patterns bought for me and I'm fixing to go for it with a simple skirt. I am on the bigger side of life so I'm always scared....but I plan on doing a tissue fit and if I don't feel comfortable, then I'm going for the muslim too....Being bigger it takes more fabric...and I do not want to mess up a couple yards of fabric...thanks for starting this. Can't wait to see the next one.

Hi Gertie - another great video series -thank you! (and just to say I love the www.blogforbettersewing.com styling at the end! Nice touch -Gorgeous!)I just had a quick question. Could you say a little more on the muslin v tissue issue? I am a new sewist and definitely like the idea of tissue fitting for speed over muslin! But what would make you decide to do one rather than the other except being lazy like me?! (I'm not saying you are being lazy, just that I am!)Thanks!

If I may ask a question, and you feel like answering I was wondering if you would mind explaining what elements make something "a well-drafted pattern." As a beginner, I imagine that I I think I know what you mean by that, but I think I probable don't really know. You know?